Best Audiologist in Dubai

Hearing loss is commonly described in five stages:

1. Mild Hearing Loss (Stage 1)
   Decibel range: 25–34 dB
   
   • Difficulty hearing soft consonants, whispers, or quiet sounds (e.g., dripping water, a ticking clock).
   • Conversations in noisy places may be hard to follow.
2. Moderate Hearing Loss (Stage 2)
   Decibel range: 35–49 dB
   
   • Following most conversations requires effort.
   • Phone calls and group discussions become challenging.
   • Hearing aids are usually recommended at this stage.
3. Moderately Severe Hearing Loss (Stage 3)
   Decibel range: 50–64 dB
   
   • Most sounds are hard to hear without hearing aids.
   • Conversational speech, even at normal volume, is difficult to understand.
4. Severe Hearing Loss (Stage 4)
   Decibel range: 65–79 dB
   
   • Conversational speech is mostly inaudible.
   • Loud sounds (e.g., baby crying, television) may be missed.
   • Powerful hearing aids are often required.
5. Profound Hearing Loss (Stage 5)
   Decibel range: 80 dB or higher
   
   • Very little or no hearing without powerful hearing aids or cochlear implants.
   • Communication often relies on lip-reading, sign language, or other non-auditory methods.

The 60–60 rule:

• Keep headphone/device volume at no more than 60% of maximum.
• Limit listening sessions to 60 minutes before taking a break.

Following this guideline significantly reduces the risk of noise-induced, permanent hearing damage.

With Dr. Muhammad Jabbr — what to expect:

Duration: Typically 30 minutes to one hour.

Typical steps:

1. Discussion about lifestyle and work
   Questions about frequent noises and daily activities.
2. Hearing difficulties and medical history
   Review of past ear problems and general medical history.
3. Ear examination
   A physical check to spot any treatable causes.
4. Hearing test (Pure-Tone Audiometry)
   
   • Performed in a soundproof room with headphones.
   • You press a button when you hear a tone — painless, ~15 minutes.
   • Produces an audiogram (a graph showing hearing sensitivity across pitches for each ear).
5. Additional tests (if needed)
   Extra assessments may be performed depending on the suspected type of hearing loss.

After the test: Results are available immediately. Dr. Jabbr will review findings, discuss next steps, and advise on treatment or hearing-device options.

Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a gradual decline that typically affects both ears. It can begin as early as a person’s 30s or 40s and usually worsens slowly over time.

Diet and hearing health — overview

Foods to eat:

• Vitamin B12: meat, eggs, dairy, poultry — supports nerve health and balance.
• Folate (B9): spinach, broccoli, beans, asparagus — improves blood flow to the inner ear.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: salmon, walnuts, chia, flax — supports ear cell function and lowers risk of age-related loss.
• Magnesium: bananas, potatoes, leafy greens — protects inner ear cells from noise damage.
• Zinc: pumpkin seeds, cashews, dark chocolate — supports immune response and tissue healing.
• Potassium: bananas, yogurt, tomatoes — helps maintain inner-ear fluid balance.

Foods to avoid or limit:

• Processed foods high in sodium (can cause fluid retention in the ear).
• Excess sugar and artificial sweeteners (may increase inflammation).
• Fried and high-fat meats (can affect circulation).
• Processed cheeses, margarine (often contain unhealthy hydrogenated oils).
• Refined carbohydrates/white-flour products (lack nutrients that support hearing).
• Vegetable oils very high in omega-6 — prefer healthier oils like olive or canola.

In short: A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and whole grains — and low in processed, salty and sugary foods — supports better hearing and ear health.

Leading cause: Exposure to loud noise (noise-induced hearing loss) is the most common acquired cause, affecting a large portion of people with hearing difficulties.

Prevention tip: Limit exposure to loud sounds and use hearing protection (earmuffs/earplugs) when needed.

Untreated hearing loss can lead to:

• Decline in mental sharpness
• Increased risk of dementia
• Impaired memory
• Feeling left out of conversations
• Reduced social interaction
• Anxiety
• Increased mental strain and cognitive load

Addressing hearing loss early improves quality of life and helps prevent these complications.

After diagnosis with Dr. Muhammad Jabbr:

Dr. Jabbr will explain the type and likely cause of your hearing loss and discuss the degree (Normal, Mild, Moderate, Severe, Profound) based on your audiogram.

Typical next steps:

• Discussion of management options (often hearing aids for many patients).
• Hearing aid consultation and fitting — modern devices are discreet and customizable.
• Taking an ear impression (a painless process to make a custom earmold) if required.
• Fitting and programming of hearing aids when appropriate.
• If further evaluation or medical/surgical care is required, Dr. Jabbr (as an ENT surgeon) can provide advanced assessment and treatment options.

Bottom line: Diagnosis opens the path to tailored rehabilitation — from hearing aids to medical or surgical care when indicated.